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“Nah, I went out last night, and I didn’t get much sleep. It was hard getting out of bed this morning.”
“I feel you. Some days, the cold mornings are worse than others. I could easily roll over and stay in bed.”
“No. I don’t mean that. I had to leave a woman in my bed.”
“Oh.”
We turn the corner to hit the park. The glow from the lights is the only light illuminating the path. The last time I woke up in the morning with a woman in my arms was with Gracie…and if she and I were asleep, I’d skip my morning run in favor of cuddling her.
“Well, I guess well done for dragging your ass out to come.”
“Let’s race, and we can get you home quicker to your awaiting woman.”
He smiles at that. “I like what you’re thinking.” And with no warning, the fucker takes off.
“You shit,” I say before sprinting after him.
We have been running for forty minutes, and as we turn the corner, I puff out a breath.
Jesus Christ.
I’m hallucinating, rubbing my eyes, thinking surely it can’t be her, but nope, I know that shiny dark hair and pint-sized frame a mile away.
I slow, causing Max to stop abruptly. “What are you doing?” he asks.
I shake my head. “Nothing.”
As I run past her, my gaze roves over her skin-tight outfit. Looks new, the leggings showing off her sinful curves, and the long-sleeve tight jacket fitting her like a second skin. I am glad she didn’t come with me because I wouldn’t be able to work out with her next to me. Not with her looking as sexy as that. I’m almost swallowing my own tongue.
Max’s house is around the corner, so as soon as I drop him home, I race back to find her.
I see her frame speed-walking now. Her warm breath puffing clouds in the frosted air around her.
Jogging up beside her, I join her on the walk. “What a beautiful find on this fine Tuesday morning.”
She laughs, more steam leaving her mouth. “I figured I couldn’t sleep, so I’d try this exercise idea out for thinking.”
“And you were hoping to find me.”
I poke her ribs, and when she squirms, it causes me to smile. God, If just want to kiss the shit out of her, fuck her, and then, hold her in my arms. But I’m giving her space to take everything in; she clearly has a lot to think about.
“No, silly.” She rolls her eyes, but an easy smile sits on her face. I’m glad I can help lighten her up…even a little bit.
“Well, is the walk helping?”
“No. All I keep thinking about is what if someone kidnaps me, what’s that noise, and it’s so damn cold, I should have grabbed a jacket.”
I let out a deep, throaty laugh. “Let’s walk you home and get you warm.”
“I’m awake now, so if there is a place for a coffee and a bagel, I’d love that,” she says, peering around, as if looking for a café.
Knowing this area like the back of my hand, I shake my head to say no. “You know what, there is a street not far from you that has the best bagels.”
She begins running. “Well, the last one there is paying.”
My jaw drops at her dare, and I take off and jog up to her. “I always pay, but let’s swing past your place and grab a jacket.”
She grows silent. And I worry she thinks I’m trying to push her when I’m not; I just want her comfortable.
